Fall Semester Seminar & Tour

“Defeat… Could Be Ill Afforded”: Clashes Of Arms Around Berryville, August-September 1864

Please note that this event is SOLD OUT! If you would like to be placed on a waiting list please email jnoyalas01@su.edu

Map of the Battle of Berryville, September 1864 (Library of Congress)

The first month of Union general Philip H. Sheridan’s command tenure in the Shenandoah Valley has largely been characterized as one merely of incessant maneuvering with no significant military activity. Although overshadowed by the battles of Sheridan’s 1864 Shenandoah Campaign, the actions between portions of Confederate general Jubal Early’s army and Sheridan’s command, not to mention the activities of Mosby’s Rangers, and intelligence gathering, proved important elements of the conflict in the Shenandoah Valley. MCWI’s fall 2019 semester seminar and tour will offer an important look into such notable events as the Battle of Berryville, Mosby’s August attack on Sheridan’s wagon train, and the role Thomas Laws played in intelligence-gathering for Sheridan.

“[We] became heavily engaged with a brigade of Rebels, whom we run into in a cornfield almost before we were aware of their presence. We gave them three or four volleys, when they came charging down upon us and we were forced to retire.”

12:30-4:30 p.m.: Caravan tour of sites associated with Battle of Berryville, Mosby’s activities around Berryville in August and September 1864, and the grave of Thomas Laws.

Registration fee of $25 covers the cost of morning lecture, handouts, lunch, and afternoon guided caravan tour. Carpooling is required for the afternoon tour as mass transportation will not permit access to certain sites. For students with a valid id registration is $20. For Shenandoah University students registration is FREE, simply email jnoyalas01@su.edu to register. Please use the registration form on the MCWI website to register. Space is limited so register early!

Questions about registration can be directed to Stephanie Swaim in the College of Arts and Sciences at sswaim@su.edu or phone 540-545-7293. Other questions about the seminar can be directed to Prof. Noyalas at jnoyalas01@su.edu or phone 540-665-4501.